FRIDAY, MAY 24: MIDGETS TIE HOME OPENER

The "Farmers' Mutual" Midget Fury rep team played their home opener against the visiting Redbirds from Newmarket Friday night. The Redbirds almost spoiled the night, if not for a late goal and some key late saves.

The Fury owned the first period of play out-shooting Newmarket 9-1. This was due mainly to the penalty problems the Redbirds got themselves into. The Fury had a chance to put Newmarket down late in the first. With the score tied at zero, and both teams with a man in the box, Newmarket gave the Fury a four on three power play. Then the real gift came with 3:28 remaining in the first. Newmarket was assessed a four minute penalty, and then another four minute penalty 30 seconds later. The Fury had a glorious 5 on 3 man advantage but could only muster one goal. It wasn't until the last second of the period that the Fury broke the tie on the power play on an unassisted goal by Kevin Beaulieu.

The second period saw a completely different Newmarket team. They owned the floor for the first 10 minutes. Newmarket netted three goals in a six minute span to go ahead 3-1. Their third goal seemed to waken the Fury who dominated the final 5 minutes. They were awarded with their hard work on a beautiful backhanded goal by Cody Welton, to make it 3-2, assisted by Josh Nokes and Steven Junkin. Shots were 8-7 in favour of Newmarket in the second period.

The third period saw both teams share opportunities in an evenly played period. Newmarket held on to their 3-2 lead until just under 5 minutes remaining when Tyler Smith, parked right beside the net, and what seemed an impossible angle, scored to tie the game. The assists on the tying goal went to Wade Coady and Beaulieu.

But the game was not done for excitement. The outcome could have been a lot different, if not for two key saves made by Fury goalie Luke Smith in the dieing minutes and seconds of the game. The first one was on a partial breakaway with 1:50 remaining, and the second on a clear breakaway with 28 seconds remaining. The shots for the third period ended at 8-7 in favour of Newmarket, however the total shots on goal for the game were 23-17 for the Fury.

Future games for the "Farmers' Mutual" Midget Fury rep team see Uxbridge visit on Monday night at 8:30 at the Lindsay Rec Complex. Then they go on the road for a game on Thursday, May 31 at 8:30 at the Beaches Sports Centre versus the Toronto Beaches club.





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